Yam cult figure "minja" · Papua New Guinea - Washkuk Hills - East Sepik Province, Kwoma · ID: 3041703
not available anymore
Size
H: 97 cm
H: 38.2 inch
Description
wood, black patina, carved with prominent face of an ancestor spirit “yena”, the raised vertical ridge representing a snake, dam., missing parts and cracks (above all at the lower left rim), insect caused damage backside, abrasion of paint;
“minja” embody male water spirits that are believed to promote the growth of yams. They are displayed in pairs, highly ornamented like the “yena”, against a biconical heap of newly-harvested yams, immediately following the “yena” ceremony. There is a day and night of singing and dancing accompanied by slit-gongs, bullroarers and bamboo trumpets.
Comparing literature
Craig, Barry (ed.), Living spirits with fixed abodes, Honolulu 2010, p. 107 ff.